I know that you like the odd beta, so this is the 1st of 3 I will post today, so enjoy the code.  Lots more information and pictures at Inside Windows Live Messenger.

Important Details:

• Get Messenger 8.5 Beta1 (build 517) here
• Markets (Country + Language) in order to get this Beta out asap we limited the number of supported markets. If your market is not listed below, please know that we are working on it! 
  • English - United States, United Kingdom, India
  • French - France
  • Japanese - Japan
  • German - Germany
  • Chinese (Simplified) - China
  • Spanish - United States, Spain

What's new (ever get the feeling that this is a usability and eye candy update)

• Setup - the look, the desktop short cut, the start menu short cuts, Microsoft Update
• Sign-in - the look
• Menus - the look and feel
• Contact Window - the look
• Conversation Window - the look and a little feel
• New Emoticon - the bunny

ttfn

David